Bad Axe man sent to prison for armed robbery|Bad Axe man sent to prison for armed robbery

Bradley Massman, Tribune Staff Writer

Published 9:58 am, Tuesday, April 11, 2017

SANDUSKY — A Bad Axe man linked to an armed robbery last year expressed sympathy and continuously apologized to his victims moments before a Sanilac judge fashioned a prison sentence.

Devin C. Hacker was the fourth, and final, codefendant to receive his punishment in connection to a Nov. 11, 2016, armed robbery.

The 20-year-old, donning an orange Huron County Jail jumpsuit, appeared with his attorney in Sanilac County Judge Donald A. Teeple’s courtroom Wednesday morning and awaited his future. Hacker previously accepted a deal from the prosecutor’s office, which led to him pleading guilty to one count of home invasion-first degree and two counts of unarmed robbery.

The charges stem from a November incident where Hacker and his three codefendants robbed a Minden Township man and stole an undisclosed amount of money and medical marijuana. The homeowner told police men in ski masks robbed him and one suspect held three victims — who were inside the home — at gunpoint.

Scott A. Radloff told the judge his client can recover from this incident when he’s released from prison.

“He’s a bright, young man,” Radloff said of Hacker. “… It was a mistake. It was a drastic mistake.”

Hacker was quick to accept responsibility for his actions by first apologizing to the victims.

“No one has a right to victimize you the way I did,” Hacker addressed one victim not present in court. “(Victim), from the bottom of my heart, I’m sorry for what I put you through.”

He went on to tell the judge he didn’t blame the victims for expressing their hate toward him and the other individuals. When two of the codefendants were sentenced to prison last week, the victim told the judge, “I want you to hang both of them.”

“I really don’t expect anyone to forgive me, but hopefully one day you can accept my apology,” he said. “(Victim), I probably owe you the biggest apology for violating your sense of safety.”

Hacker then turned to the audience, fighting back tears, and apologized to his family.

“I will come out of this a better man, a better Christian,” he said. “I love you all more than you’ll ever know.”

Teeple asked his courtroom if there was anyone else who wished to speak. Members of Hacker’s family referred to the incident as a “total shock” of his character.

Based off his sincerity, Teeple told Hacker he doesn’t expect to see him in his court again.

“How do you think it feels for them to look at you standing here?” Teeple said of Hacker’s family. “They’d rather it be them than you.”

For both unarmed robbery charges, Hacker was sentenced to five years — maximum 15 years — in the state’s prison system. On the home invasion charge, he also received five years — maximum 20 years — behind bars. Hacker was given 43 days credit for time served on each count and his sentences will run concurrently.